Getting Summer Ready with Pier 1 Imports (Sponsored)

May 24th 2017

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This is a sponsored post in partnership with Pier 1 Imports. All words and opinions are our own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help us do what we do!

Finally! Summer has arrived in Seattle (at least for the time being), and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Back when we were house hunting, our house’s backyard was what sold us. Sometimes I think, had it not been for the yard, we may never have moved to Seattle.

Even though here in the Pacific Northwest, outdoor space has limited use in the winter, once the sun comes out, everyone basically lives outside, and it’s glorious. Summer in the PNW is serious business. Every outdoor seating area is occupied, the ferries are booked, and people actually wear SHORTS. I know. After living in San Francisco for over a decade, Matt has finally invested in a pair.

As parents, we’ve found that having a cozy outdoor space makes living easier. Last summer, our street had an awesome block party. Being newbies to both our street and the block party scene after years of living in an apartment with no adjacent outdoor space, we weren’t sure what to expect. I made popsicles for the neighbors to enjoy, and we got to know the folks that live on our street over beers and burgers.

This summer, I feel like I have a much better handle on how I want to decorate and employ our outdoor space, and I cannot get enough of it. There are still plenty of things I want to do in the backyard (and the front yard!), but I feel like we’re off to a great start for a summer full of gatherings and BBQs. When it comes to throwing a block party, I’m a big believer in less is more. You don’t want the fussiness of hor d’oeuvres, and you definitely don’t want to deal with broken glass, which is why I’m a big fan of these unbreakable acrylic margarita glasses and pitcher. And even though I’m all about fuss-free, there’s one thing I love to incorporate into a party, and that’s cloth napkins. They add an element of “I tried!” to any gathering.

I love the idea of making a big pitcher of margaritas, plenty of easy snacks (think: tortilla chips and salsas, quesadilla bites, and paletas in a cooler), and of course, lots of cozy seating! The thing I love about outdoor spaces is that they can totally be an extension of indoor spaces. Outdoor rugs, pillows, throws, side tables, and more can make you feel like you’re sitting in a living room under the stars. What’s not to love? Here are some recipes for you to try at your next block party / outdoor gathering: